British diplomat calls UID a fantastic innovation

The Unique Identification (UID) card is among numerous examples of "fantastic" Indian innovations, British High Commissioner to India James Bevan said on Wednesday.

"I have seen numerous examples of India's innovation, for instance a mobile phone application that allows the user to instantly test the purity of water. The UID is another fantastic innovation with a huge impact in India," Bevan said.

He was speaking at a function organised as part of the Chevening global scholarship programme's alumni event, hosted in the city by the British High Commission in association with Innovation Experience and the Association of British Scholars (ABS).

Participants at the meet said Kerala has the potential to become a global hub of innovation by nurturing a culture of innovation in schools and colleges and showcasing success of young innovators.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai Mike Nithavrianakis encouraged companies from the state to participate in a contest hosted by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).

"UKTI is looking forward to introduce India's most promising innovative technology company to the best of the UK.

"The company with the most compelling proposal gets to visit London for a programme that includes receiving specialist advice; the chance to network with world-class inventors; incubators and companies in the UK; and the chance to discover Tech City -- Europe's most vibrant innovation hub," Nithavrianakis said.

The applicants can register till March 31 to participate in the contest, the details of which are available on http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk.